Identical twins occur when 1 egg splits causing 2 foetuses to develop in the same amniotic fluid. Fraternal twins are when 2 eggs are fertilised.Here is some information about the chances of conceiving Fraternal twins:

Older mothers have a higher chance of conceiving twins. 17% of women over age 45 have a multiple pregnancy.

If you have had twins once you are more than 4 times as likely to have multiples again than a woman who hasn't had twins. If you have many children, your chances of conceiving twins are higher.

If you fall pregnant whilst on the pill, through missing the odd day, you are more likely to have twins. The first month after you stop taking the pill, you are also more likely to conceive twins.

Women who are undergoing fertility treatments, such as Clomid, have a higher likelihood of hyperovulating (releasing more than 1 egg). If you have in vitro fertilisation, as there are about 3 fertilised eggs inserted into your womb, you have a higher likelihood of having a multiple pregnancy. If you have had IVF, you have a 23% chance of twins.

If a woman's mother or maternal grandmother had or was fraternal twins, her likelihood of releasing more than 1 egg per menstrual cycle is increased.

Those taking Folic acid daily have a 40% higher chance of conceiving twins than those who don't - you should start taking it at least 1 month before conception if you want twins.

Eat cassava root, a type of wild yam/sweet potato found in Africa. In areas where cassava is a staple food, women have the highest rate of conceiving twins in the world. Eating this yam increases ovulation. To find cassava, try your nearest fruit and vegetable store.

Drinking milk increases your chances of having twins. It is suggested that milk stimulates the ovaries, encouraging the production of multiple eggs. Women who consume dairy are 5 times as likely to conceive twins than those who don't.

It helps if you carry on breastfeeding your baby, whilst trying to conceive twins. Although some women do not ovulate whilst breastfeeding, it causes some women to release more than 1 egg whilst ovulating.

Women with a slightly higher percentage of body fat and those who are slightly overweight are more likely to have twins. Women who are tall are also more likely to have twins.

Even though twins can be conceived up to 24 days apart, they will both develop at about the same times. Each twin has its own placenta and amniotic sac.